Men's Tennis' Danny Norman: Where Are They Now?
11/14/2018 8:22:00 AM
“WHERE ARE THEY NOW?” / DANNY NORMAN / MEN’S TENNIS / NOV. 14, 2018
He came to Lipscomb from Knoxville for the opportunity to play college tennis. His coach calls him “a perfect example of my recruiting goals: high morals, intelligence, and a great player.” After four years as a Bison, Danny Norman graduated with a team full of close friends, a list of good memories, a stronger definition of faith, and a degree in Engineering Mechanics. He sat down this week for a brief visit with LipscombSports.com ...
What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?
I played tennis at Lipscomb from 1999-2003 for Coach Lynn Griffith.
What teammate was most memorable?
Many of my teammates became lifelong friends. Jon Houston was in my wedding and we talk regularly about everything from business to golf to how to change a diaper. I get to see Dave Hunt when he comes into town for football games.
I do not see Dustin Overbeek much, but he was the teammate I spent the most time with in school. We played all four years together and roomed together too. We had a chance to catch up the week of Coach Griffith’s Hall of Fame induction. The conversation with Dustin was a privilege that can only be found in the body of Christ. To be able to share career lessons, marriage, kid stories with him about the past 15 years is a priceless memory.
What degrees have you earned?
I earned my B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Lipscomb in 2004, and I added a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee in 2008.
Why did you attend Lipscomb?
My first priority was to compete at the collegiate level. Coach Lynn Griffith gave me an opportunity while other schools chose to recruit tennis players from overseas.
What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
In his incredible book Open, former world-class tennis player Andre Agassi claims that he can remember individual points of matches that happened years earlier. I cannot remember individual points, but I have fond memories of a few important matches.
One of my favorites was finally getting a win over a player at Western Kentucky after losing several close matches to him. I also got a three-set win over Jade Culph after losing the first set 6-0. I loved the comeback wins.
My favorite memory is a match when I felt like I led the team. It was a road match at Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI). Our teams had never played before. The IUPUI men were very confident, to say the least, and their top player was in need of humble pie. Most of the time matches were played simultaneously, so we didn’t get to watch our teammates play. It was different at the IUPUI match, however. The weather was bad so courts were limited. My match went on first, and both teams were watching. I set the tone for team that day. I can’t remember the score, but their top player got the humble pie he needed. The rest of the IUPUI team got some pie too. Go Bisons.
Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?
When it was time to choose doubles teams, Coach Griffith partnered me with David Hunt. Dave and I were polar opposites in every way, but strangely, our games and personalities complemented each other and we were a very good doubles team. Dave didn’t seem to care about much until it was time to compete. When the match was on, Dave was dialed in. He was extremely smart but he didn’t overthink things. He made me a much better player. We disagreed constantly because we were so different. I think the net effect was that he taught me there is more than one mental approach that can earn a win. It helped me get out of ruts when things were not going well.
What’s your favorite non-athletic memory from your time here?
I spent most of my time on the court or in the library. I guess I just remember the idyllic environment at Lipscomb University – the campus, the students and the faculty. It was a great place to receive an education.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned in your time at Lipscomb?
I learned very quickly that a lot of my faith was not my own. That hard lesson began a long process of understanding what it means to walk with Christ as an individual and in community.
Who were your favorite professors?
Well, Prof. Fort Gwynn taught 90% of my classes so yes, I appreciate Dr. Gwynn the most for helping me.
PRIVATE NOTE: Dr. G, I am still looking for my first win over an engineering problem that requires a fourier transform.
What do you do now?
I am a technical consultant for the University of Tennessee. I am still finding my way as an engineer and businessperson.
Tell us about your family:
My beautiful wife Megan is my best friend. We do not have many hobbies – we just spend a lot of time at home together, which I love. For example, our favorite fall activity is sitting by our fire on the back porch. We have two beautiful children, Ella (2 ½) and Graham (4 months).
FAST FINISH:
- Favorite food: Hot Dogs
- Favorite TV show or movie: Back to the Future
- Favorite scripture: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." John 6:29
- Favorite sports team: Tennessee Volunteer football and basketball
- Pet peeve: Red lights
- Person I most admire: Jesus
- Favorite season: Summer
- Pick one – salad or dessert: Dessert
- Dream vacation spot: Italy
- Early morning or late night person? Late night
You can contact Danny by email at: Daniel.j.norman@gmail.com or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
